Techo de cristal en I+D+i en salud en España

Abstract

Objective: To assess the existence of a glass ceiling for female researchers who have submitted proposals to the Strategic Action in Health (SAH) and identify the factors related to the glass ceiling. Methods: Descriptive and cross-sectional study, conducted in Spain during 2016 and 2017, through a survey of all researchers who submitted health research proposals to the Instituto de Salud Carlos III, which manages the biggest national competitive call, from 2013 to 2015. Data were collected on vertical segregation, socio-demographic, individual and structural factors, through a questionnaire with 49 questions completed using an online application. The Glass Ceiling Index (Scientific Research Council; presence of glass ceiling if value is over 1) was used. Descriptive and bivariate analysis were performed to identify relationships between glass ceiling and other variables, and to analyse differences between men and women. The odds ratio was used for the possibilities of reaching a position of responsibility being woman as compared with a man. Results: The questionnaire was completed by 939 investigators (63% of those invited to participate). 48.2% are women (n=453) and they are 5.46 years younger than men. Women are half as likely as men to hold a position of responsibility (odds ratio=0.47) and the Index is 1.20, increasing with the level of responsibility. The Index decreases with age and years of professional experience, but only for the lower levels of responsibility. Studying medicine, having a civil servant contract and not having a partner modify the glass ceiling (Index 1.49, 1.08 and 1.02 respectively). The rest of the variables are not associated with the glass ceiling. There is a salary gap at equal level of responsibility. Men work more overtime and women on household activities. Men give higher priority to work and women to personal and family life. Conclusions: There is a glass ceiling in health research, development and innovation in Spain. Horizontal segregation is decreasing, but women do not progress to positions of responsibility the same as men. Studies that allow identifying factors that explain this situation are needed. There is a need to strengthen gender equality policies in research organizations and co-responsibility in private life.